Bob Wills and His Texas Playboys - Legends Of Country Music

Disc A:

The first disc consists of twenty-five songs including instrumentals such as "Osage Stomp," "Spanish Two Step," "Maiden's Prayer," and "Waltz In D." The "Steel Guitar Rag," also an instrumental, is a song I love because of the upbeat tempo. "Sunbonnet Sue" promises the man she'd be true while he was gone because when he returns he wants her to say "I Do" to him. In the next song, the man sure is crazy about "Nancy Jane." He says she doesn't start any fights, wear fine clothes, or go out running around but whatever she does sure is a "hit" with him. "I Ain't Got Nobody" is impressive because of Tommy Duncan's falsetto throughout the song. A man is left all alone in "Sittin' On Top Of The World," but at least he says he doesn't have a care in the world. Interestingly enough, "I Can't Be Satisfied" sounds almost exactly like Hank Williams Sr.'s "Move It Over." On "What's The Matter With The Mill," both Bob Wills & Tommy Duncan share lead vocals. "Red Hot Gal Of Mine" is about a woman who has "these & those" and she dresses herself from head to toe. A tune sure to be remembered is found in "Right Or Wrong." "White Heat" sends off disc one in swingin' style.

Disc B:

"Steel Guitar Stomp" opens disc two on a happy note with the prominent fiddle sounds and of course the steel guitar. Bob Wills sings "Rosetta," where he begs her not to leave him because it would break his heart. "Blue Yodel #1" has been covered by many artists but there's something special about Tommy Duncan's version. I really like "I'm A Ding Dong Daddy (From Dumas)" because Bob Wills and Tommy Duncan once again share lead vocals. "San Antonio Rose" is an instrumental, as is "Silver Bells" and "Beaumont Rag." "Whoa Babe" is catchy as can be, even though Leon McAullife sings about how he'll leave the woman he thought loved him too. "Ida Red" is also included and is a popular tune that's been covered by many different singers/groups. There are several rags throughout the boxed set, but one that stands out to me is the "Lone Star Rag." Maybe it's because I live in the Lone Star State but I just love it. "Time Changes Everything" and that can't be truer when it comes to broken relationships. As the saying goes, time heals all wounds. "Bob Wills Special" is impressive, just like the last song "Big Beaver." It has saxophones and a rhythm that would get anyone up and dancing.

Disc C:

The "New San Antonio Rose" is first on disc three and even though I love the instrumental version, the one with lyrics is my favorite. "Lyla Lou" has her man dreaming of the day he marries her. "You're so charming honey," he sings, "Let's go to the church around the corner we know." A snazzy little number is "The Girl I Left Behind Me," a purely instrumental composition with the band's trademark talking throughout. "Twin Guitar Special" is also an instrumental but very interesting nonetheless. "Take Me Back To Tulsa" is a favorite song of mine as is "Cherokee Maiden." Though I'm used to George Strait's version of "Tulsa" and Asleep At The Wheel's "Cherokee Maiden," there's a special place for Bob Wills & The Texas Playboys' versions. Things are always sunny and bright when you are "Home In San Antone." Danny Alguire sings "You can have your mansion and I'll take my home in San Antone." The "Texas Playboy Rag" leads into two popular tunes - "Roly Poly" and "Stay A Little Longer." "I'm Thru Wasting Time On You" is what a man says to a woman who did nothing but try to fool him. "You thought it was smart when you played with my heart," Tommy Duncan sings. The "New Spanish Two Step" closes this set of twenty-seven songs.

Disc D:

The last disc has twenty-six tracks and starts with "Sugar Moon," a song about a woman marking the days until she can see her man again. I can't leave out a song like "Brain Cloudy Blues." A man says his lady needs to treat him right because she'll need his help someday and when she does she'll feel sorry for ever treating him wrong. In previous discs we had rags and now we get a "Hometown Stomp." It has a great beat and lots of steel. "Deep Water" is a nicely written song with lyrics like "You want a romance but I seeketh love. I know I'll regret it when it ends." If I had to leave the south and stay away for extended periods of time I'd get the "Blues For Dixie." The beauty is something you'll long for if you leave. "Faded Love" is a classic that is perfect for the Bob Wills collection. Watch out for "St. Louis Blues" and "Cadillac In Model A." Really gettin' with the fiddlin' is "A Big Ball In Cowtown." It's definitely a must-listen like "Blue Bonnet Lane." Find out "What Makes Bob Holler" toward the end of the disc. Bob Wills will tell you in his own words. A "Goin' Away Party" is how this particular disc ends. "Don't worry it won't be a loud party. I feel too low to get too high."